What if Mikey had left in '85 instead of Dave?

**VH-is-Alive** · 11.12.06, 06:24 PM

From my viewpoint, 22+ years ago Mikey seemed to be the one that was never heard from and many people just knew him as "Van Halen's bass player". At least this what I see about the common folk--I'm sure hardcore music fans knew who he was, just not the average fan. It seemed like once Sammy came on board and the band got more popular with the masses was when Mikey's popularity soared. Maybe I was too young then to really know what was going on and I didn't realize how popular he was, but it just seemed like the Panama video with the JD bass was the first real bit of popularity he gained.

If it had been Mikey that left (or was fired) back in '85, what would have happened? Would people have cared as much as they do now? Am I alone in the difference I see with Mikey's popularity from '86 and later versus the first 10 years or so?

Perhaps I shoud l put this in the "past" thread...feel free to move it if you deem proper.
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**LLFHS** · 11.12.06, 06:42 PM

I probably wouldn't have cared much back then as my knowledge of Van Halen was very lacking. I wasn't even aware that Mike's vocals were the lion's share of the backing vocals (I thought for some reason that was Ed I was hearing).

**fast98dodge** · 11.12.06, 06:46 PM

So, you're asking if both Dave and Mike left, would anyone care that Mike left? Or, if just Mike left and Dave stayed would anyone care???

No offense, but theoretical questions are kinda stupid if you ask me...

That's like asking: What if Ed was still sober? How would things be different???

Get my drift???

**Number 47** · 11.12.06, 07:32 PM

Mike would currently be a champion sumo wrestler in Tokyo, Japan.

**Nostalgia Act** · 11.12.06, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Number 47

Mike would currently be a champion sumo wrestler in Tokyo, Japan.

Still? That would be one loooong reign.

**VH-is-Alive** · 11.12.06, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by fast98dodge

So, you're asking if both Dave and Mike left, would anyone care that Mike left? Or, if just Mike left and Dave stayed would anyone care???

No offense, but theoretical questions are kinda stupid if you ask me...

That's like asking: What if Ed was still sober? How would things be different???

Get my drift???

Actually, if you read it properly, the bulk of my post was trying to find out if people felt the way I do or if I was just too young and dumb back then. Not so much a theoretical question (the post not the title of the thread) as it is just asking if people think Mikey's popularity came much more after Sammy came where before that time, he was kind of like "the fourth guy" more than "Mikey" that we all love now. I'm more looking to find out if people think there would be this big of a backlash back then or if they think the general fans would have noticed.

Get my drift???

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**vistadelrey** · 11.12.06, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by VH-is-Alive

Actually, if you read it properly, the bulk of my post was trying to find out if people felt the way I do or if I was just too young and dumb back then. Not so much a theoretical question (the post not the title of the thread) as it is just asking if people think Mikey's popularity came much more after Sammy came where before that time, he was kind of like "the fourth guy" more than "Mikey" that we all love now. I'm more looking to find out if people think there would be this big of a backlash back then or if they think the general fans would have noticed.

Get my drift???

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as time has passed mikey has become a poster child/martyr for van halen.

back then it wouldn't have mattered with or without roth.

**Fair Warning Rocks!** · 11.12.06, 09:51 PM

No, there would have been no backlash. If they replaced Mike with Billy Sheehan in 1981, fans would not have cared. In fact, they might have actually watched the bass player (instead of just Ed and DLR) because Billy is a much better bass player and has more showmanship than Mike. And as far as backing vocals live, the backing vocals sounded great on the EAS tour.

**Van Squalen** · 11.12.06, 09:53 PM

Oh good, another Mike thread.

**LLFHS** · 11.12.06, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Van Squalen

Oh good, another Mike thread.

I'm starting another one on his mullet. You?

**ZachenFoot** · 11.12.06, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Fair Warning Rocks!

No, there would have been no backlash. If they replaced Mike with Billy Sheehan in 1981, fans would not have cared. In fact, they might have actually watched the bass player (instead of just Ed and DLR) because Billy is a much better bass player and has more showmanship than Mike. And as far as backing vocals live, the backing vocals sounded great on the EAS tour.

Wow, you're really into Billy Sheehan aren't you? I'm guessing you'd like Gregg Bissonette (sp?) to replace Al now, too?

**Fair Warning Rocks!** · 11.12.06, 10:08 PM

Apparently Ed, Al, and DLR were also fans of Billy Sheehan.

**BREW CREW** · 11.12.06, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Fair Warning Rocks!

Apparently Ed, Al, and DLR were also fans of Billy Sheehan.

A long ass time ago. Sheehan is part of the Breed now....no question about it.

**YankeeRose** · 11.12.06, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Fair Warning Rocks!

No, there would have been no backlash. If they replaced Mike with Billy Sheehan in 1981, fans would not have cared. In fact, they might have actually watched the bass player (instead of just Ed and DLR) because Billy is a much better bass player and has more showmanship than Mike. And as far as backing vocals live, the backing vocals sounded great on the EAS tour.

I have to agree with you. Billy Sheehan is the best bass player on the planet. He would have made Van Halen a better band. Mike sings better though.

**Van Squalen** · 11.13.06, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by LowLifeFlatHeadScum

I'm starting another one on his mullet. You?

I'm thinkin' about starting a petition to drum up support for Van Halen - The Next Generation, with Aaron Hagar on vocals, Wolfgang on geeetar, Elisha Anthony on bass, and Avy Lee Roth on drums.

I really think it could work.